Courtwatchers: Eyewitness Accounts in Supreme Court History

In the first Supreme Court history told primarily through eyewitness accounts from Court insiders, Clare Cushman provides readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the people, practices, and traditions that have shaped an American institution for more than 200 years. This entertaining and enlightening tour of the Supreme Court's colorful personalities and inner workings will be of interest to all readers of American political and legal history.

Foreword by Chief Justice John C. Roberts, Jr. Introduction Chapter 1: Sink or Swim: The First Decade Chapter 2: John Marshall Takes Charge: Establishing Power Chapter 3: Justice by Shay, Stagecoach, Steamboat, Train: Riding Circuit Chapter 4: Wives, Children...Husbands: Supporting Roles Chapter 5: Yes, Mr. President: Appointing and Confirmation Chapter 6: Learning the Ropes: A Rookie Arrives Chapter 7: Inside the Courtroom: Views of the Bench Chapter 8: Silver Tongues and Quill Pens: Oral Argument Chapter 9: Nine Justices, One Bench: Building Consensus Chapter 10: (Not So) Good Behavior: Discord and Feuds Chapter 11: A Peek Inside Chambers: Clerk Stories Chapter 12: "Welcome to the Chain Gang": Managing the Work Load Chapter 13: Timing It Right: Stepping Down Acknowledgments Justices of the Supreme Court Notes Index